CLONING AND EXPRESSION OF A HUMAN MOUSE POLYCOMB GROUP GENE, ENX-2/ENX-2/

The Drosophila Polycomb group (Pc-G) genes encode transcriptional fact ors involved in development. Little is known about members of the vert ebrate Pc-G genes. In this study, we have isolated a cDNA encoding a h uman Pc-G protein and the mouse equivalent. The human and mouse genes, which were named ENX-2 and Enx-2, encode 702 and 750 amino acids, res pectively. ENX-2/Enx-2 protein exhibits a high homology (53-55% identi ty) to Drosophila Enhancer of zeste [E(z)] protein belonging to the Pc -G. The expression of Enx-2 was observed in mouse kidney, adrenal glan d, testis and brain at high levels by Northern blot analysis. A cell l ine of mouse neuroblastoma, Neuro-2a, also expresses Enx-2 mRNA and it s level is elevated by induction of neuronal differentiation of the ce ll. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.